One-Week Relaxed Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Plovdiv to Sofia

Day 2 of your relaxed road trip through Bulgaria means 24 hours of making the best memories in Plovdiv. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Plovdiv. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Plovdiv!

Set aside time today to explore Kapana Creative District, a standout neighborhood that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

Nebet Tepe leaves a lasting impression. This archeological site is one of the most intriguing places to visit in Plovdiv. Next, head to Old Town Of Plovdiv, a locally appreciated historical landmark, known for its romantic features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis. This stunning archeological site is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Bulgaria more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Plovdiv offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Plovdiv, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv", a top-rated dining spot in Plovdiv. If you're in the mood for something new, try Sofra, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Central Park. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Plovdiv.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Plovdiv. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Qbar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Anyway Social Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Bulgaria!

Your relaxed road trip in Bulgaria continues on day 3 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know Bulgaria better by exploring the top attractions of Plovdiv and beyond. With 1 night left in Plovdiv, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Let Museum Of Natural Sciences set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this picture-perfect museum before continuing your journey. “tsar Simeon Garden” Park is your next stop. This well-known park is one of the best-rated sights in Plovdiv.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Singing Fountain. This visually striking art installation is a sight to behold.

When you’ve had your share of Plovdiv, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Asenovgrad. Your travel time is around 31 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Asen's Fortress and explore the inviting features.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bachkovo may take around 16 min. Upon your arrival in Bachkovo, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno", an interesting monastery that everyone visiting Bachkovo should see.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Plovdiv.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Plovdiv, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Enjoy a delicious meal at RESTAURANT Raia, a highly-rated dining destination in Plovdiv. If you're eager to try something different, consider Restaurant Citizens Club, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restorant "Megdana". With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Plovdiv this evening.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Bulgaria.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Kriloto Cocktail Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Cocktail Bar Noris provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Bar Fabrik offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Bulgaria. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Bulgaria tomorrow with new energy.

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria offers a day of exciting discoveries. You’ll start your day in Samokov and drive in the direction of Bistritsa for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in Sofia, where you’ll stay for 3 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Plovdiv, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Samokov. Your travel time is around 1 hour 49 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Zahari Zograf, an often recommended monastery that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to City Park By The River Iskar and admire its serene features.

When you’re ready, continue to Boroland Rope Town, an up-and-coming adventure park beloved by locals and tourists alike.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Samokov, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bistritsa. This drive usually takes around 46 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Rila and explore the serene features.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in Sofia. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the city.

Exploring the food culture in Sofia offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Restaurant Vodenitzata, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Saffron Indian Restaurant is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Island Restaurant. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Sofia tonight.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Sofia and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Grijn Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Cairo Relax Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Bar National is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Samokov can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Bulgaria!

On day 5 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Bulgaria, you’ll go deep into Sofia, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Sofia, and meet locals along the way!

Sofia is brimming with adventures.

Experience Sofia Zoo, a popular zoo in the city. Then, head to Prince's Garden and soak in the ambiance of this instagrammable park.

There are many interesting places to see in Sofia, and when you are ready for more, go to Borisova Gradina Park. This is one of the city’s most well-known romantic spots of interest. After exploring the park, visit the interesting Eagles' Bridge. Not far away, you'll also find Zaimov Park. This park is an instagrammable highlight in Sofia.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Bulgaria. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Bulgaria and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Bulgaria. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Sofia, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Hotel Forum? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Turquoise Restaurant as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Sofia.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Sofia.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Kathrine Cocktail - Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to The Cocktail Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Urban Rebel also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Sofia as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday in Bulgaria!

Day 6 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Sofia, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Bulgaria are extraordinary.

Tsar Ivan Shishman Street is a fantastic place you can explore today in Sofia. This street is a testament to the city’s character, and it's easy to spend hours just walking around and admiring the surroundings. Soak in the Sofia-way-of-life and visit all the nearby sights.

No visit to Sofia is complete without North Park. This popular park is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Holy Trinity Park, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Sofia, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky. This popular church is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find National Theater "ivan Vazov", another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

Bulgaria makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Bulgaria also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Sofia has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Sofiyska Banitsa, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Hotel ZOO Sofia offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Bar & Dinner Relax is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Sofia.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Sofia. The bars in Sofia make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Keep the evening going at One More Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Teos Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Bsd 2 Ndk, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

On day 7 of your laid-back road trip adventure in Bulgaria, you can visit several remarkable places. With the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive tour, you decide how much time to spend in each, making the most of these memorable destinations.

Cathedral Of Saint Nedelya is must-visit church and a great option for a daytime tour of the area. Continue your journey to National Palace Of Culture, a well-known convention center, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to South Park, a romantic park, also available for your discovery today.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Reduta.

Spend your afternoon discovering Geo Milev Park, an interesting park known for its awe-inspiring features.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Plovdiv. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in Bulgaria.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Plovdiv, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Savor the flavors at Italianski restorant Pikantino, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Ruski Restorant Petar I beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Park Sankt Peterburg Hotel. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Plovdiv tonight.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Plovdiv.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Amadeus Cocktail Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Planet Edition provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Club Fargo offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Bulgaria!